Buying Guide: Best Laptops Under £400 in 2018 UK

The search for the best laptops under £400 - 2018 is not a difficult task anymore. There are plenty of excellent computers within this price range. Laptops are a very useful piece of equipment for anyone who is constantly on the move or who generally dislikes clunky desktop computers that take up a lot of space. Owning a laptop will give you an opportunity to take all your work with you wherever you go.

Laptops under £400 vary in size and features so knowing exactly what you want from your new computer is crucial in choosing the right model for you. You can get a solid gaming laptop, as well as a really strong machine you can use for pretty much anything work or leisure related. This budget will allow you to get an exceptional laptop you will be able to use for various tasks for years to come.

Always keep an eye out for the specs, features, and weight of the laptop, especially if you plan on carrying it around with you at least five days a week. Let’s move on and look at some of the basic guidelines you must consider before you go out and purchase a new laptop.

Best Laptop Under £400 Buying Guide in 2018

Once you know the purpose of your laptop purchase, it is time to dive a bit deeper into the buying process and find out more about the different features each model has. If you want to buy a laptop under £400, you will definitely get solid hardware. So, what are some of the other key aspects you must pay more attention to?

The processor:

Most models within this price range are powered by excellent processors, such as Intel’s Core i3 and i5. A processor is a very important part of every computer, so make sure your new laptop has a really strong one.

Hard disk:

Depending on the work you plan on doing with your new laptop, you will get either an HDD or a SSD with the purchase. HDDs are more common and are an excellent way to store large amounts of data. SSDs are faster and very quiet. Of course, you can always get hybrid storage with both HDD and SSD but the price might rise a bit if you want this combination.

The design:

If you plan on using your laptop every day, it is crucial to get a travel-friendly machine that can fit every bag or backpack easily. Your laptop should be thin and as light as possible. Luckily, you can find plenty of beautifully designed laptops within this price range that are aimed exclusively at businesspeople who travel a lot. Plus, if you do a lot of typing, make sure to choose a comfortable keyboard. You will be surprised at how much difference an excellent keyboard can make in your productivity and general work success.

No.1. Lenovo 510-14AST 14-Inch Notebook

The ﻿﻿﻿Lenovo 510-14AST is a versatile laptop that has solid hardware and a couple of very useful features that will make working on it a lot easier. For instance, the keyboard is perfect for typing and will provide you with enough comfort while using this computer. It also has a high-quality Wi-Fi connector. This allows you to use high-speed internet to its full potential.

The display is excellent and is perfect for both watching movies and gaming. The processor is AMD A6 and is very capable of running this machine properly.

Technical Specifications

Descriptions

Lenovo 510-14AST Specs

Processor

AMD A6-9210 Processor 2.4GHz

Memory

4GB

Screen size

15.6 inches (1366x768 display)

Storage

1 TB HDD

Graphics

AMD Radeon R4 APU

Operating system

Windows 10 Home

Battery life

5 hours

Pros and Cons

Pros:

-The Lenovo 510 is a good everyday use laptop that costs around £400 budget.

-You will save money if you go for this option, but also receive an excellent computer that has amazing features and it is perfect for your work or free time.

No.2. Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Series 15.6 Inch Laptop

Dell is knownl around the world as one of the leading laptop manufacturers. What makes them stand out from the crowd is the fact that they can create a high quality laptop that does not cost much, but that will work impeccably for years. ﻿The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Series﻿ is no different – it costs under £400 but packs incredible hardware inside.

If you decide to buy this laptop, you will get 4GB of RAM and 1TB HDD. You will also receive preinstalled Windows 10 and a strong battery that can last for ten hours without recharging.

Technical Specifications

Descriptions

Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Series Specs

Processor

Intel Core i3-6006U 2GHz

Memory

4GB

Screen size

15.6 inches (1920x1080 display)

Storage

1TB HDD

Graphics

N/A

Operating system

Windows 10

Battery life

10 hours

Pros and Cons

Pros

Pros: The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Series is lightweight and easily transported. The hardware is solid. It will become your go-to laptop instantly. Running almost any program on this computer is smooth sailing and you will see a huge difference when you start using it.

The keyboard is very comfortable as well and is perfect for work or any sort of creative writing or school assignment.

No.3. Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T Laptop

If you want a budget-friendly laptop that looks and feels like a MacBook Pro, the Acer Chromebook R13 might be the solution. It also has some extras, such as a touchscreen and a hinge that can be completely turned around to transform the computer into a tablet. The laptop costs under £400. This is a truly versatile device that can be quite useful if you need an everyday computer that performs well. The battery can last for up to twelve hours, depending on the work you do.

The Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T has a MediaTek 2100 MHz processor and 4GB of RAM. You will also get 64GB of internal memory that can be combined with cloud storage if needed. The Acer Chromebook R13 will arrive with a preinstalled Chrome OS. The HD screen is a standout because the colors and brightness are unbelievably sharp and clear. This laptop also features two USB ports (Type C and USB 3.0), HDMI output, and an SD card reader.

No.4. HP 15-bs009na 15.6-inch FHD Laptop

Finding an affordable work laptop can be a problem nowadays, but the HP 15-bs501na​has it all. With its cool silver casing and stylish design, it’s a good option for businesspeople looking for a reliable computer to use every day. It is an excellent mid-range buy that will last you for a very long time.

The specifications are good and this laptop will arrive with an Intel Core i3-6006U processor that pretty much guarantees a smooth performance. It also has 4GB of RAM and 1TB HDD. There are three USB ports on the side; two of them is USB 3.1, as well as an HDMI connection and a multi-card reader. The keyboard is a real superstar here and has enough travel between the keys so that your fingers won't get tired if you type for hours. It will arrive with the Windows 10 Home operating system.

Technical Specifications

Descriptions

HP 15-bs501na Specs

Processor

Intel Core i3-6006U 2.0GHz

Memory

4GB

Screen size

15.6 inches (1920x1080 display)

Storage

1TB

Graphics

Intel HD Graphics 520

Operating system

Windows 10 Home

Battery life

10 hours

Pros and Cons

Pros:

· The design is very current and modern.

· Great value for the money.

The screen quality is good

​Cons:

· The body is made of plastic.

No.5. Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series 15.6 Inch Laptop

﻿﻿ T﻿he Del﻿﻿l Inspiron ﻿﻿15 3000 serie﻿﻿﻿﻿s weighs 2.3kg, which is average for a 15.6-inch laptop. The battery will last up to seven hours. Two things that really stand out on this laptop are the true-life display screen and amazing sound.

It is a truly versatile laptop that will be perfect for both normal gaming and business needs. 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard disk will make this device run smoothly. In addition to having USB ports and an SD card reader, the laptop can be connected to your TV via an HDMI port. The price of the laptop is around £400, so it is really affordable. If you need a sturdy and powerful laptop that will last for years, there is no need to spend a lot of money – the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series should be your choice.

Technical Specifications

Descriptions

dell inspiron 15 3000 series Specs

Processor

Intel Core i3 2.0GHz

Memory

4GB

Screen size

15.6 inches (1366x768 display)

Storage

1TB HDD

Graphics

Intel HD Graphics 520

Operating system

Windows 10

Battery life

7 hours

Pros and Cons

Pros

This is a very strong laptop assembled with a lot of care. It is made of high-quality materials and can fit in every bag or backpack.

Additionally, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series will give you a complete multimedia experience with amazing color and sound. Plus, the battery life is excellent.

Cons

It weighs 2.3kg, which might not be acceptable for everyone. However, that detail is minor and you won’t even notice the weight when you put this laptop in your backpack or bag.

No.6. ASUS S410UA-BV050T 14-inch Thin and Light Laptop

This ASUS laptop really stands out due to its superb design. It is very elegant and professional looking. Additionally, it is a powerful laptop that can be used for business or leisure. It will arrive with 4GB of RAM, but it can be upgraded to your liking. Its Intel Core i3 processor will make sure everything runs smoothly.

The ASUS S410UA-BV050T weighs 1.43kgs, which is perfected for a 14-inch laptop. Additionally, the battery life is impressive. It can last up to ten hours without recharging, which might be suitable for travellers or business person. In addition to the typical USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, this laptop has a Type-C port. It will allow you to transfer large files in just a couple of seconds. ASUS included its IceCold technology, so the palm rest will stay cool no matter how much you work on this device.

Technical Specifications

Descriptions

ASUS S410UA-BV050T Specs

Processor

Intel Core i3 7100U 2.4GHz

Memory

4GB DDR4-SDRAM

Screen size

14 inches (1366x768 display)

Storage

128 SSD

Graphics

Intel HD Graphics 620

Operating system

Windows 10 Home

Battery life

10 hours

Pros and Cons

Pros

The ASUS S410UA-BV050T is a powerful business laptop that can be used in various situations. It looks great and is perfect for businesspeople. It also costs under £400, which is very affordable for this kind of machine.

No.7. Lenovo YOGA 300 11.6-Inch Convertible Notebook

Lenovo created a whole line of convertible laptops that are affordable and offer excellent performance. While its screen cannot be detached from the keyboard, the Lenovo Yoga 300 does have four stand modes that will let you use this computer in various situations. It can transition from a standard laptop to a tablet in just a couple of seconds.

The overall design has standard Lenovo lines so it might not be the thinnest convertible out there. It is 22mm thick and weighs 1.39kg. You can still easily carry it around with you for an entire day.

The Lenovo Yoga 300 packs some solid hardware that makes it the best laptop for easy multitasking. It has 4GB of RAM and 500GB of HDD memory. Its Intel Celeron N3060 processor ensures that everything is working properly.

The screen is responsive and good but will not astonish you with the colors and resolution. The keyboard is on a softer side so it might be a bit uncomfortable for some users. The Lenovo Yoga 300 will arrive with a preinstalled Windows 10 operating system.

Technical Specifications

Descriptions

Lenovo YOGA 300 Specs

Processor

Intel Celeron N3060 1.6GHz

Memory

4GB

Screen size

11.6 inches (1366x768 display)

Storage

500GB

Graphics

Intel HD Graphics 400

Operating system

Windows 10

Battery life

5 hours

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Very budget-friendly convertible notebook

Light and easy to pack in a bag or backpack

· High-quality hinges that let you easily switch between modes.

​Cons:

· The keyboard might feel a bit odd because of the softness of the keys.

No.8. HP 15-ay078na Laptop

Released in 2016, the HP 15-ay078na is one of the best multi-purpose laptops available on the market today. Made of very durable plastic, the laptop is perfect for businesspeople who are constantly on the move. It can also be used for leisure and gaming. It is an all-around machine that will blow your mind with its performance.

The H﻿P﻿﻿ 15-ay078n﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿a is powered by an Intel Pentium N3710 processor and has 4GB of RAM and 1TB of storage space. It also has integrated graphics and really good visuals. HP 15-ay078na costs under £400 and you will receive an excellent laptop that looks elegant and smart. The keyboard is perfect for typing and has just the right amount of travel between the keys.

Technical Specifications

Descriptions

HP 15-ay078na Specs

Processor

Intel Pentium N3710 1.6GHz

Memory

4GB DDR3 RAM

Screen size

15.6 inches (1366x768 display)

Storage

1TB

Graphics

Intergrated Intel HD 405

Operating system

Windows 10

Battery life

8 hours

Pros and Cons

Pros:

The battery life of the HP 250 G5 is outstanding. You can use it for up to eight hours without recharging.

The general feel of the laptop is of the highest quality and it is a very quiet machine. The hand rest almost never heats up, which is very useful if you plan on using this laptop for work.

​Cons:

None

No.9. ASUS T102HA- GR035T 10.1 inches

Convertible laptops are becoming more popular, so it comes as no surprise that ASUS has launched this model, which can fit into anyone’s budget. This might be one of the best 2 in 1 laptops under 300 pounds, so it is definitely worth your attention.

With the ASUS T102HA, you will get two devices – a solid laptop and a powerful tablet. The keyboard is detachable, and you will be able to turn your tablet into a laptop in just a couple of seconds. The tablet itself weighs 580g, and 1kg when the keyboard is attached. The display is 10.1 inches and the device comes with the Windows 10 operating system.

It also has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Unfortunately, it has only one USB port, but that is understandable because this is a convertible laptop. The battery should last up to 11 hours.

Technical Specifications

Descriptions

ASUS T102HA-GR035T Specs

Processor

Intel Atom X5-Z8350 Processor 1.44GHz

Memory

4GB

Screen size

10.1 inches (1280x800 display)

Storage

64GB eMMC

Graphics

HD Graphics 400

Operating system

Windows 10

Battery life

11 hours

Pros and Cons

Pros

· The ASUS T102HA is a convertible device, which means you will get a tablet and a laptop.

· It is a small device that can go anywhere with you.

· The keyboard can be quickly removed or attached.

Cons

The storage might not be sufficient for some users, but you can store big files on an SD card because the ASUS T102HA has an SD slot as well.

No.10. Toshiba Satellite C55-C-184

If you are looking for a powerful and trusty laptop that you can use for hours without recharging, the Toshiba Satellite C55-C-184 is the computer for you. It is well-designed and very eye-catching. When it comes to weight, it is somewhere in the middle – 2.2kg, which is not too much and still very light for a 15.6-inch laptop. It is powered by an Intel processor and has 8GB of RAM. The hard disk is 2TB, which is more than enough for storing your data.

It is an excellent machine that you can use for your work, as well as in your free time. You can also use it for gaming. The majority of video games will run perfectly on this laptop and it will surely fit all of your needs in terms of performance. It will arrive with preinstalled Windows 10.

Technical Specifications

Descriptions

toshiba satellite c55-c184 Specs

Processor

Intel Pentium 1.6GHz

Memory

8GB

Screen size

15.6 inches (1366x768 display)

Storage

2TB HDD

Graphics

Intel HD

Operating system

Windows 10 Home

Battery life

7 hours 30 minutes

Pros and Cons

Pros

The powerful hardware really makes this laptop stand out. You will get excellent components for just a fraction of the price and you will be blown away by the performance of this machine. The design is also worth mentioning, and the matte finish looks absolutely stunning.

Cons

If you are not used to heavier laptops, 2.2kg might seem a bit too much for you. However, once you get the feel of carrying it around, you will get used to it. It is still very light compared to other 15.6-inch models.

Conclusion

Buying the best laptop under 400 pounds shouldn’t be too difficult, as there are numerous excellent models to choose from in this price range. The laptops we have suggested all have high-quality features and are very versatile. If you want an extraordinary laptop on a budget, check out the models we featured in this text.

Best Laptop Guides is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Amazon EU Associates Programme, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk.